Born in Melbourne, Australia, but moved to New Zealand as a child, Finn's passion for music begins as early as childhood as the son to Neil Finn (of Split Enz and Crowded House fame), and nephew to kiwi rock legend Tim Finn.
Finn attended Auckland high school Selwyn College. It was during high school that LFinn pursued the musical talent in his blood and helped in the formation of the band Betchadupa (with other band members Joe Bramley, Matt Eccles and Chris Garland). The band saw the release of two albums which charted well in New Zealand. A few years later, however, Betchadupa made a unanimous decision to take a break.
Finn released his first solo album in 2007: "I'll Be Lightning", with the help of former Betchadupa band-mates.
Since the reunion of the band Crowded House in early 2007, Finn has become part of its touring band, playing concerts such as Coachella Festival and Live Earth in Sydney. In 2008, he opened for Eddie Vedder's solo tour throughout America. Later that year, Finn headlined his first North American tour and went on the road with The Black Keys in the UK and Europe.
In August 2009, Finn performed with a new band called BARB on a small New Zealand tour with a band consisting of Connan Hosford (Connan and the Mockasins), James Milne (Lawrence Arabia), Eliza Jane Barnes, Seamus Ebbs, Jol Mulholland and Wild Bill Rickets. Their album (recorded at Roundhead Studios in Auckland) was released 24 August 2010.
In January 2014, Finn toured New Zealand for the first time since 2011, this time with a new backing band The Salty Women, which consisted of mostly past collaborators including James Milne (Lawrence Arabia), Eliza Jane Barnes, and brother Elroy Finn.
On 24 August 2018, Finn released the album "Lightsleeper" with his father, Neil Finn.
Quick Fact Trivia:
He is an accomplished photographer.
He played the lead role in "Return to The Forbidden Planet" during highschool.
Better To Be
Liam Finn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heart on your sleeve and hat on your head
I want to see you playing with your shadow
Hypnotize me with every step
Oh oh oh
Falling asleep or sitting at the doctor
Ordinary people like I told you
Are following me everywhere
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Girl you seemed so nice
But I'll be gone by morning time
Baby, baby I'll be gone
You fooled me once or twice
The boy inside can't unwind
Maybe, maybe I'll go home
Better to be, looking for an answer
Out in the sea and under your bed
I'll probably, just leave it to the morning
My energy is already spent
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Bottle it up
Girl you seemed so nice
But I'll be gone by morning time
Baby, baby I'll be gone
Fooled me once or twice
The boy inside can't unwind
Maybe, maybe I'll go home
Spoiling appetite
Bigger eyes than belly size
Baby, baby I'll be gone
You fooled me once or twice
The boy inside can't unwind
Maybe, maybe I'll go home
Liam Finn's song "Better to Be" is a reflection on the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. The line "Better to be, bigger than the other" suggests that it is better to stand out and be different rather than trying to fit in and conform to societal norms. The notion of wearing a heart on your sleeve indicates vulnerability and honesty, while the hat on your head creates a sense of playfulness and identity.
The imagery of playing with your shadow and hypnotizing with every step suggests a desire to be free, to live in the moment without worrying about the future or past. The contrast with falling asleep or sitting at the doctor highlights the mundane aspects of life that can weigh down on a person.
The repetition of "Bottle it up" emphasizes the need to hold onto emotions and feelings, to keep them inside rather than expressing them. This can be interpreted as a manifestation of insecurity or fear of rejection.
The chorus of the song repeats the themes of leaving, being fooled, and feeling trapped. The uncertainty of the singer's future and their desire to go home suggest a search for a sense of belonging and stability.
Overall, "Better to Be" is a thought-provoking song that captures the complexities and contradictions of the human experience. It highlights the struggles of finding acceptance and understanding while staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Better to be, bigger than the other
It's better to stand out and have a unique perspective than to blend in with the crowd.
Heart on your sleeve and hat on your head
Wear your emotions and personality visibly for all to see.
I want to see you playing with your shadow
Embrace your inner child and have fun exploring different aspects of yourself.
Hypnotize me with every step
Entrance me with your confidence and individuality.
Falling asleep or sitting at the doctor
In mundane or stressful situations, don't rely on others to make decisions for you.
I don't believe a thing that he says
Trust your own intuition over the opinions of authority figures.
Ordinary people like I told you
Average individuals are watching and taking inspiration from you.
Are following me everywhere
You have an unintentional impact on the people around you even when you're not aware of it.
Bottle it up (x8)
Suppressing your true self can be suffocating and detrimental to personal growth.
Girl you seemed so nice
Initial impressions can be misleading and hide someone's true intentions.
But I'll be gone by morning time
People can quickly come and go from your life without warning.
Baby, baby I'll be gone
Leaving behind the facade of who you thought someone was can be a painful but necessary process.
You fooled me once or twice
Being deceived can make you second-guess your ability to trust yourself and others.
The boy inside can't unwind
Internal struggles and self-doubt can make it difficult to find peace and let loose.
Maybe, maybe I'll go home
Retreating into familiar surroundings can be a source of comfort in times of chaos or distress.
Spoiling appetite
Overindulging in materialistic pursuits can lead to a feeling of emptiness.
Bigger eyes than belly size
Sometimes your aspirations exceed your abilities and can set you up for disappointment or failure.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LIAM MULLANE FINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hudson Borba
I will never understand why Liam Finn is such an underrated artist, he is simply one of the most talented singers in today's music industry.
MrsLukeArnold
@Jason Ring Liam made his big break as the frontman of Betachupa
Jason Ring
Because he's the son and nephew of legends. The world judges the types harder. No fair, but what can you do?
jml2621
This is the best Finn album of the past decade plus. Better than Neil, Tim, Crowded House, Pajama Party. There - I've said it. Melodies and harmonies wind around in sneaky ways.
Luka Velić
His voice is like one of Neil Finn's registers! Good!
Johnnie Fergie
1.11 is so chilled out, perfect 'drop'
An-Sofie Lemoine
I love this song!
8itzer
A song that helped me through some down times. Still arks. As to its meaning, hmm!
Eddie McCormack
love this song. because of other voices i know it.
fokker
WHAT A TUNE!!!